What are the best ways to farm chitin and keratin on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Farming chitin and keratin on The Island in ARK: Survival Evolved is essential for crafting items like cementing paste, armor, and saddles. Both resources are primarily obtained by harvesting the remains of certain creatures, such as trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and mantises. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm these materials.

To start, you need to understand the mechanics of harvesting chitin and keratin. Chitin is primarily obtained from creatures like trilobites, scorpions, spiders, and mantises, while keratin is harvested from creatures like turtles, carnos, and stegos. Using tools like a metal hatchet or a tamed creature with high melee damage, such as a Sabertooth or Megatherium, will yield the most resources. The Megatherium is particularly effective because it gains a buff called "Insect Killer" after killing an insect, which significantly increases its damage and harvesting efficiency for a short time.

For early-game players, the best way to farm chitin is to hunt trilobites along the beaches. Trilobites are passive creatures that spawn near water and drop chitin, oil, and pearls when killed. Using a metal hatchet or a tamed Sabertooth will yield a decent amount of chitin. However, trilobites are not very common, so this method is more suitable for beginners who are not yet ready to venture into dangerous areas.

As you progress, you can move to more dangerous areas like caves or the swamp biome. The swamp is home to scorpions and spiders, which drop large amounts of chitin. A tamed Sabertooth or Megatherium is highly recommended for this task. The Megatherium is especially useful in caves because of its Insect Killer buff, which allows it to quickly clear out large groups of insects. The Central Cave and the Lower South Cave are good starting points for chitin farming, as they contain many scorpions and spiders. Be prepared for combat, as these creatures can be dangerous, especially in large numbers.

For keratin, the best creatures to hunt are turtles and carnos. Turtles are found along beaches and rivers, while carnos are more common in forests and open areas. Using a metal hatchet or a tamed Sabertooth will yield a good amount of keratin. Turtles are easier to kill but drop less keratin compared to carnos, which are more challenging but provide more resources.

Advanced players can optimize their farming by using a Megatherium in the caves. The Insect Killer buff makes it one of the best creatures for chitin farming. Additionally, using a chainsaw can yield a large amount of chitin and keratin from corpses, but it requires gasoline and is more resource-intensive. Another advanced technique is to breed and imprint Megatheriums, as imprinted creatures have increased stats and can harvest more efficiently.

Preparation is key when farming chitin and keratin. Make sure to bring enough food, water, and medical supplies, especially when venturing into caves or the swamp. Equip your tamed creatures with saddles to increase their armor and survivability. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, consider bringing a pack of tamed creatures to help with combat and resource gathering. In a tribe, coordinate with your teammates to cover more ground and protect each other from threats.

Common mistakes to avoid include venturing into dangerous areas without proper preparation, underestimating the strength of cave creatures, and not using the right tools or creatures for harvesting. Always scout the area before engaging in combat, and be ready to retreat if necessary. Additionally, avoid overloading your inventory or your tamed creatures, as this can slow you down and make it harder to escape dangerous situations.

In summary, farming chitin and keratin on The Island requires a combination of the right tools, creatures, and strategies. Start with trilobites and turtles for early-game farming, then move on to scorpions, spiders, and carnos as you progress. Use a Megatherium for optimal chitin farming in caves, and consider advanced techniques like breeding and imprinting for even better results. Always prepare adequately and avoid common mistakes to ensure a successful farming session.